Owen's Defense

In algebraic notation, b6 means column b and row 6. Owen's Defense begins with b6 against the advance of White's pawn in front of the king. Black prepares the c8-bishop on b7. This queenside fianchetto, named for the side where the queen starts, moves the pawn in front of the knight on that side and places the bishop behind it on a long diagonal that may pressure e4 when the path opens.

Owen's Defense activates the queenside bishop against the center

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Startb6d4Bb7Nc3e6Nf3c5

...b6 followed by ...Bb7 forms one fianchetto plan: clear b7 and place the c8-bishop there.

Black prepares distant influence instead of occupying the center

After 1.e4, Owen's Defense holds back the central pawns and organizes the c8-bishop.

1. ...b6 followed by ...Bb7 forms one fianchetto plan: clear b7 and place the c8-bishop there.

White normally uses the time to place pawns on e4 and d4. Black must answer that center by bringing out pieces and preparing advances such as e6 and c5. If the b7-bishop remains blocked by a closed pawn chain, meaning diagonally connected pawns that protect one another, and Black never attacks the base of that chain, White will control more territory and have more room for the pieces.

The opening is flexible and can take the opponent away from familiar lines, but b6 does not directly help Black castle, the special move that shelters the king and brings a rook closer to the center. Black must coordinate the g8-knight, the f8-bishop, and a central pawn advance without spending too many moves.